Illuminating links between cis-regulators and trans-acting variants in the human prefrontal cortex.

Background: Neuropsychiatric disorders afflict a large portion of the global population and constitute a significant source of disability worldwide. Although Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified many disorder-associated variants, the underlying regulatory mechanisms linking them to disorders remain elusive, especially those involving distant genomic elements. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) constitute a powerful means of providing this missing link.

Root-associated endophytic bacterial community composition and structure of three medicinal licorices and their changes with the growing year.

Background: The dried roots and rhizomes of medicinal licorices are widely used worldwide as a traditional medicinal herb, which are mainly attributed to a variety of bioactive compounds that can be extracted from licorice root. Endophytes and plants form a symbiotic relationship, which is an important source of host secondary metabolites.

Results: In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology and high-performance liquid chromatography to explore the composition and structure of the endophytic bacterial community and the content of bioactive compounds (glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin and total flavonoids) in different species of medicinal licorices (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Glycyrrhiza inflata) and in different planting years (1-3 years).

Bacterial diversity and community structure in the rhizosphere of four Ferula species.

The medicinal value of the Ferula L. has been recognized for more than a thousand years. Wild stocks of Ferula have declined dramatically because high economic value has led to overharvesting.